AWU’s gas advocacy vindicated by ACCC

A recent report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirming there will now be a stable gas supply for Australian homes next year – alongside a surge in gas exports – is a powerful vindication of the AWU’s advocacy on gas policy reform.

The AWU has long advocated for regulation of Australia’s gas export market, rejecting the gas lobby’s assertion that a free-for-all approach is necessary to ensure the viability of exports.

Late last year the federal government introduced a raft of reforms, many of which reflected the AWU’s advocacy, including a domestic price cap of $12/GJ, a mandatory (as opposed to voluntary) code of conduct for the gas industry, and a strengthened Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism.

“The AWU has long argued that sensible regulation can preserve our domestic gas supply and bolster the strength of our export industry,” said AWU National Secretary Paul Farrow.

“The gas lobby argued up hill and down dale that the regulation we were calling for would end in disaster. Well now it’s nearly a year on and we have a stable supply of domestic gas for households and industry and the outlook for exports looks sunny. Funny that!

“We consistently said there’s no inherent contradiction between safeguarding our local industries and promoting a robust export industry. This new ACCC report vindicates our position.

“When our members met with the Prime Minister last year they had a clear message: without safeguards, jobs were on the line. The federal government commendably heard the call and stared down the whinging of the gas lobby to move toward crucial reforms.

“By incorporating elements like the export cap into their mechanism, they’ve not only assuaged fears of shortages but also put our nation in a prime position for economic growth in the gas sector.

“This new ACCC report represents a win for every AWU member who voiced their concerns, for every worker in the gas industry, and for every Australian who benefits from a stable gas supply.”